Is Marshawn Lynch the Raiders Missing Piece in a Run at a Super Bowl?

The Raiders run game is going to have a very different look in 2017, as the team this offseason went out and grabbed retired bruiser Marshawn Lynch to come back to revamp the Oakland rush attack.

Last season Oakland was led in their run game by Latavius Murray, who left this past offseason to go to Minnesota as a free agent. He ran for 788 yards, 12 touchdowns, and put up four yards per carry.

Murray is going to be tough to replace, but the team is hopeful that Lynch, who led the league in rushing touchdowns between the 2013-14 seasons, will fill in and be just as good.

But is that realistic?

Lynch is 31 years old, and to expect him to be able to come in and be a force is asking a lot. It’s been a two full seasons since he played, and even then he only played in seven games and put up 417 yards and three touchdowns for the Seahawks.

The one thing that the Raiders do have going for them is one of, if not the best offensive lines in the NFL. With players like Donald Penn leading the charge, this unit will help open holes for anyone running the ball.

Lynch will also get help from Jalen Richard and DeAndre Washington, two players who should be able assist in giving him breaks during games if need be.

The Raiders were 8th in the NFL last season in throwing the ball, and adding Lynch to their offense should give even more of a boost.

Let’s see if he’s as good as he’s been during camps, and if he indeed is the missing piece for the Raiders to win the AFC West and make a serious run at a Super Bowl in 2017.